Ricin and Shiga toxins: effects on host cell signal transduction

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2012:357:41-65. doi: 10.1007/82_2011_181.

Abstract

Shiga toxins and ricin are potent inhibitors of protein synthesis. In addition to causing inhibition of protein synthesis, these toxins activate proinflammatory signaling cascades that may contribute to the severe diseases associated with toxin exposure. Treatment of cells with Shiga toxins and ricin have been shown to activate a number of signaling pathways including those associated with the ribotoxic stress response, Nuclear factor kappa B activation, inflammasome activation, the unfolded protein response, mTOR signaling, hemostasis, and retrograde trafficking. In this chapter, we review our current understanding of these signaling pathways as they pertain to intoxication by Shiga toxins and ricin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Peptide Chain Initiation, Translational
  • Protein Transport
  • Ricin / pharmacology*
  • Shiga Toxins / metabolism
  • Shiga Toxins / pharmacology*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Stress, Physiological

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Inflammasomes
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • NF-kappa B
  • Shiga Toxins
  • stxB toxin
  • Ricin